Method for calibration of sensors embedded or wirelessly connected to a mobile device

Abstract

Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for obtaining accurate gas sensor data are presented. A mobile device may receive gas sensor data from at least one gas sensor. The mobile device can include the at least one gas sensor and at least one environmental component. Additionally, the mobile device may receive environmental data from the at least one environmental component. Subsequently, the mobile device may calibrate the received gas sensor data based on the received environmental data and one or more reference characteristic curves. In one or more arrangements, the gas sensor can be a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) gas sensor or an electrochemical gas sensor configured to sense carbon monoxide.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 61 / 770,315, entitled “SENSOR CALIBRATION,” filed Feb. 27, 2013, which is assigned to the assignee hereof and expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]I. Field[0003]The present disclosure relates to computing device technologies. Specifically, various techniques are provided for calibrating one or more chemical sensors in mobile computing devices based on sensor fusion and contextual awareness.[0004]II. Background[0005]Growing number of sensors are being incorporated in smart phones, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, atmospheric pressure, humidity and temperature sensors. Combined with location assistance data (e.g., indoor positioning unit, Global Positioning System (GPS)) and the high computing power of current mobile devices, sensor fusion and contextual awareness can allow for new development of applications.[0006]Chemical gas sensors may be i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]According to some embodiments, inputs from humidity, pressure and / or temperature sensors can be used in addition to the stored calibration curve corresponding to the sensors. Additionally, location assistance data can be used to re-set the zero reading in clean air and calibrate for low pollution levels. Furthermore, the non-linear chemical sensor response as a function of various sensor heater temperatures can be used in specialized data processing algorithms to extract accurate chemical sensor readings. Moreover, two or more sensors with different sensitivity or configuration (e.g., doping, filter, gas pre-concentrator) can be used for increased accuracy.

Problems solved by technology

However, the accuracy of the chemical sensors may be dependent on environmental conditions.

Additionally, the MOS gas sensors can have high sensitivity and fast response times. However, drawbacks can include poor selectivity, dependence on environmental conditions, and need for frequent calibration.

Additionally, the frequent need of calibration can include complex sensor calibration when high sensor accuracy is required.

)), which can be a drain on the power of the mobile device.

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